"Sawzall" with an appropriate blade type (have a bunch if that's a hardened piece of steel) that's just long enough to do the job, but short enough to not hit what's behind it. Cut it next to the lock where it's thinnest...

 

So...... Key is now insert-able, but wont' rotate? Try some powdered graphite to loosen up the tumblers?

If that doesn't work and the escalated 'shorty' sawzall, followed by BFH on the side to knock the pin out doesn't work.

Try not to go full send like the guy below.

 

dremel with cutoff attachment.

 

Ditto. It'll take about a dozen wheels to get tru but it will get thru.
Cut right behind the lock.

 

Chris's image reminds me that you could try applying a little heat from a torch to the lock, but obviously, be really careful.

 

I like your idea better. I forgot I have a heat gun that could apply heat without destroying the entire car @HeyChris! 🤣
I did break out the sawzall but with the amount the blade moves in and out on mine I doubt I'd be able to cut it without hitting the metal behind.
Then I gave it another PB Blaster bath and put the key in. It still wouldn't turn by hand so I tried turning it with pliers. Now that the key was broken off in the lock it was safe to move on to more destructive methods.

So I guess its time for an anticlimactic update. When I left work I took the bolt cutters out with me. It wasn't an easy cut nor did they fit in that gap very easily but I was able to cut the lock head off at the thin part @Jim_in_PA was referring to. That doesn't exactly give me a great sense of security but its still better than nothing.

I still can't tow anything without a hitch pin...

 

compressed air first
small amount of WD-40 Dry Lube PTFE Spray
focused heat
tap tap tap

My locking pin for my bike rack has a rubber boot covering the key hole.

 

Fortunately, a new hitch pin is easy to come by! 'Glad you got it resolved for sure. Do consider not leaving it in place if you don't have a ball mount, um...mounted. Despite all the assurances that product purveyors give about weather resistance, etc., locks are locks with lots of moving parts and well, they too often get all jammed up when they are out there in the "stuff". (I had one of the locks on my landscaping shed seize up in a similar manner, but fortunately, got it to open without destroying it)

 

hydrophobic sprays to maintain the parts will help (similarly used for bicycle gears and chains).

 

This discussion is sending me. @xydadx3 your sense of sarcasm and dry humor is classic.

 

Possibly take to car wash use the pressure washer wand with soap and rinse for at least 5 minutes. After drying use penetrating oil at least 3 times a day for 3 days.
If that doesn't work then try some the options of cutting off. Paint once ready to use.

 

If you read the whole thread, you'll see in post #7 that it's already been cut off...

 

For my own knowledge, why leave the pin in place without the hitch attached? Just curious.

 

For my own knowledge, why leave the pin in place without the hitch attached? Just curious.

Really just for peace of mind. Nobody can tow or attach anything without me unlocking it (or cutting the lock off).
And ideally so I can find the pin when I need it.
All of that backfired on me lol

 

Too funny. The best laid plans... I tend to keep the pin in the hitch (or whatever mount - bike rack, flat rack...). Interesting. Thank you for sharing!

 

Yay

 

For next time, take a center punch and whack the hitch pin through the receiver. Then drill the pin in half.